There it is, that P-word. The one that gives many fits. Positive. And what in the world is so wrong with it, I’ve always wondered.

Positive politics. Positive parenting. What could be negative about positive anything? But the naysayers loom, of that you can be sure.

You are what you attract and you attract what you are. Take a look around. Such a true sentiment.

Several years ago now, I made a conscious decision to politely walk away from negative energy. The younger, vibrant version of myself would have worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of why an individual was negative. The older, grizzled version of myself simply does not have the energy, time or desire. The naysayers can fend for themselves, I declared to myself a few decades ago.

From cbc.ca

When I meet negative people, I spew positivity…if it kills me. And it ain’t easy. Exactly like parenting.

What’s fascinating and disturbing to me is most negative people don’t know why they are in such a grey-black-dark state. Then there are those who I am convinced choose that mindset and revel in it. The same people who try to attract new recruits and often succeed.

Having worked in television newsrooms for the better part of 20 years, both as a full-time employee and freelancer, I can count on two hands the number of positive people I’ve met. We’re talking about finding brightness and energy within a stressful, competitive, constantly-changing, deadline-driven environment where largely negative human dramas are unfolding before your eyes and your responsibility is to tell that story. It’s not sunshine and daisies. Yet, the positive people I’ve known from this environment over the years remain consistent in their action and mindset — fending off that tidal wave of negative energy deftly, swiftly and with every fibre of their being. It ain’t easy. After all, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’, still holds true in media. I continue to hope for that to change.

For parents, there is no greater challenge than to be positive with understanding your child’s behaviour, disciplining them or staying the course on punishment. Positive parenting requires patience, forethought, patience, example-setting and um, PATIENCE. I fail at this more than I succeed, without question, but I never stop trying.

I did not vote for the Liberals and Justin Trudeau, primarily because I was not crystal clear on his platform. My voting choice had nothing to do with personality and everything to do with pure politics — vision, plan of action, ability to inspire confidence in others and most importantly execution of the plan.

Since his historic election victory, I have become increasingly taken by one thing about Mr. Trudeau: he does his own thing. His own thing seems to be rooted in seeing the glass half full, rather than half-empty. I applaud that. That takes a degree of courage because it is not popular, nor the status quo. It’s different and the stuff of eyebrow-raising, and yes, eye-rolling, sadly….all when it should be everyone’s default position.

Positive parenting and positive politics must be the ‘new normal’ for all the reasons mentioned. It should also be normal because with positive anything, one can be assured that empathy, compassion, integrity and kindness are not far behind. Trudeau, incidentally has already displayed these traits quite openly since taking office.

Ironic too, isn’t it, that when WhereParentsTalk interviewed Mr. Trudeau back in 2010 as part of 5 Famous Fathers, 5 Questions, the first answer he provided when asked, “Your secret to success as a Dad?” His response? “Patience, unconditional love, and never trying to multitask when I’m with them.”

What works in parenting apparently can work in politics, when it comes to positivity.

"Here is the informative and reassuring video instructions that should have arrived before or with your baby! Concise and up to date."

Trevor Ham, MD, FAAP, FRCP Pediatrician, New Mexico, USA

WhereParentsTalk.com

2015-04-14T03:42:33+00:00

Trevor Ham, MD, FAAP, FRCP Pediatrician, New Mexico, USA

"Here is the informative and reassuring video instructions that should have arrived before or with your baby! Concise and up to date."

http://whereparentstalk.com/testimonials/8425/

I have finally had the chance to sit down and take a look at the new video and I want to thank you for the excellent job you did. I found the video very useful - as, I'm sure everyone says, I only wish I had something like that when I was having my own children.

V. Stark

Family Therapist - Montreal, Quebec

WhereParentsTalk.com

2015-04-14T03:10:42+00:00

V. Stark

Family Therapist - Montreal, Quebec

I have finally had the chance to sit down and take a look at the new video and I want to thank you for the excellent job you did. I found the video very useful - as, I'm sure everyone says, I only wish I had something like that when I was having my own children.

http://whereparentstalk.com/testimonials/8401/

This is an excellent, informative DVD about feeding your baby from four to twelve months of life. The range of the contents is vast and the DVD goes into detail about many of the possible questions new parents would ask about allergies, food intolerances, and making homemade baby foods. There is an adequate amount of depth in the contents, but not an overwhelming amount of information for new parents

This resource is designed for new parents interested in learning more about what to expect with regards to eating for their new baby from 6 to 12 months of age. It is an easy to follow resource as there are sections highlighted for what to expect when feeding begins with babies. At the end of each section, the main points are highlighted and reviewed, which is quite helpful in reminding the audience what was taught throughout that section. The author has not introduced new material, however has introduced a well-organized, concise report of feeding your baby. The author explains cues on when babies are ready to eat, how to make homemade foods for babies, when to start different food groups and textures, and also gives a variety of options for parents when preparing foods for their baby (such as vegetarian options). There is also a paediatrician who is interviewed throughout the DVD and he addresses many important issues that parents bring to his attention such as constipation, food allergies, anemia, and the importance of vitamin D for babies. The content is very accurate and would be a useful resource for all new parents.

This is an excellent, informative DVD about feeding your baby from four to twelve months of life. The range of the contents is vast and the DVD goes into detail about many of the possible questions new parents would ask about allergies, food intolerances, and making homemade baby foods. There is an adequate amount of depth in the contents, but not an overwhelming amount of information for new parents This resource is designed for new parents interested in learning more about what to expect with regards to eating for their new baby from 6 to 12 months of age. It is an easy to follow resource as there are sections highlighted for what to expect when feeding begins with babies. At the end of each section, the main points are highlighted and reviewed, which is quite helpful in reminding the audience what was taught throughout that section. The author has not introduced new material, however has introduced a well-organized, concise report of feeding your baby. The author explains cues on when babies are ready to eat, how to make homemade foods for babies, when to start different food groups and textures, and also gives a variety of options for parents when preparing foods for their baby (such as vegetarian options). There is also a paediatrician who is interviewed throughout the DVD and he addresses many important issues that parents bring to his attention such as constipation, food allergies, anemia, and the importance of vitamin D for babies. The content is very accurate and would be a useful resource for all new parents.

http://whereparentstalk.com/testimonials/8424/

"Bringing Baby Home is a great resource for parents. All the information you need is front and centre, clearly laid out and demonstrated."

"Bringing Baby Home is a great resource for parents. All the information you need is front and centre, clearly laid out and demonstrated."

http://whereparentstalk.com/testimonials/8426/

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Karen L. Congdon Edmonton, Alberta

WhereParentsTalk.com

2015-04-14T03:36:07+00:00

Karen L. Congdon Edmonton, Alberta

I sat with my daughter and watched the entire DVD with her. WOW! I am so very impressed with the way you presented a ton of information in such an easy to understand manner. Since that day, my daughter and her husband have watched the DVD several times.